Sleep 7–9 hours per night
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
Reduce salt intake and stay hydrated
Treat allergies (e.g., saline rinse, antihistamines if appropriate)
Manage nasal congestion (e.g., saline spray; consult a clinician for persistent issues)
Use a cold compress 5–10 minutes daily or as needed
Apply caffeine eye products (AM) to temporarily reduce puffiness
Use a retinoid or retinol eye product at night (start 2–3 nights/week, increase as tolerated)
Apply vitamin C in the morning to help brighten discoloration
Use sunscreen daily on the under-eye area (SPF 30+), reapply if outdoors
Choose gentle, fragrance-free skincare and avoid rubbing the eyes
Consider gentle exfoliation only if tolerated and not irritating (avoid harsh scrubs)
If dryness contributes, use a simple moisturizer around the eyes
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
If you have anemia, iron deficiency, or other medical causes, get evaluated and treat underlying conditions
Consider professional options for persistent dark circles: chemical peels, laser therapy, microneedling, filler for tear trough hollows, or treatment for pigment/vascular causes
See a dermatologist/eye doctor if dark circles are sudden, one-sided, painful, associated with swelling/redness, or worsening